I WAS driving home a few weeks back when the fuel light illuminated. I knew I had in my wallet a Woolworths 8c-a-litre shopper docket discount, so I began heading to the nearest of its servos.

I turned on to Victoria Rd in Sydney's inner west and spied, in the distance, the Woolies price board. E10 was 147.9c, so I was going to be up for 139.9c.

In the foreground was a United Petroleum. Its ethanol blend was 130.9c.

The shopper docket went back in the wallet and United won my business.

ACCC boss Rod Sims said yesterday that because the margin on petrol was much less than 8c a litre, customers with a coupon from Woolies and Coles wouldn't go anywhere else.

My little anecdote suggests that isn't always the case.

Both Woolies and Coles have committed to 8c discounts until Easter. I wouldn't be surprised if that's when the petrol war ends. Mr Sims's loud and clear message about his view of the schemes may achieve the same result as court action would.

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